One of the best parts of the holiday season is spending time with family and friends (after all the delicious food, of course). And while we’re all about classic traditions like gift exchanges, Christmas movies, Christmas snacks, and party games, this year we suggest starting a new holiday ritual by visiting one of these festive drive-thru Christmas light events in the New York and New Jersey area. No car? No problem. We’ve included a couple of holiday lights experiences in the NYC area that don’t require wheels. So, go ahead and grab your loved ones, a tin of holiday cookies and get ready to experience a breathtaking and memorable display of festive cheer. ‘Tis the season!
17 Festive Drive-Thru Christmas Lights in NY and NJ (Plus, a Few You Can See on Foot)
From the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to East Brunswick, New Jersey
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Updated Dec 3, 2024
Siegfried Layda/Getty Images
Drive Through Christmas Lights in New York
1. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn, NY)
- Cost: free; guided walking tours from $35/person (5 and under free)
- Dates: select dates in December
- Address: 86th St. and 12th Ave. Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
- Distance from NYC: 30 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: family friendly, walkable, laid-back vibe
“If you’ve ever wanted to see how hard a neighborhood can go for Christmas, you need to take a trip to Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights,” raves PureWow Assistant Editor Delia Curtis. “Rows and rows of streets filled with local houses trimmed to the brim with lights, inflatables, interactive elements, light shows, fake snow, music and more, this is the place to get into the holiday spirit. Bring a friend of five and take a stroll through the area and marvel at the color, whimsy and magic. All for FREE (that is unless you take a guided tour). Even though many of the city’s ice cream trucks post up selling hot chocolate, I might recommend bringing a thermos full of your favorite cold-weather bev (time for peppermint season to begin!) to sip along the way. And make sure to bundle up with hats and scarves because it’ll get chilly as the sun goes down and you’re right by the water. Just be sure to plan accordingly if you’re taking the train locally. It’s a bit tricky to navigate, so driving or Ubering might be ideal.” Trust me when I say these are *the* ultimate drive-thru Christmas lights in New York and New Jersey if you’re in the Manhattan area. Guided tours start at $35/person, and a little tip: If you’re touring by yourself, be sure to bring a few $5 bills with you—many of the homes collect money for charity.
Courtesy of Westchester Parks Foundation
2. Westchester’s Winter Wonderland (Valhalla, NY)
- Cost: $35/vehicle
- Dates: November 24 to December 31
- Address: 1 Bronx River Parkway Rd. Valhalla, NY
- Distance from NYC: 1 hour
- Why We Recommend It: charming, family friendly, small-town atmosphere
Take a ride through 1.2 miles of Westchester’s Winter Wonderland where you’ll find popular holiday characters, a North Pole, a twirling tunnel, towering candy canes, glowing snowballs and a playground of elves. This year’s notable attraction is an Ice Queen, who will greet her subjects from the chilly comfort of the Ice House, presided over by Old Man Winter. There will also be a 125-foot pixel wall illuminated with wintry scenes, plus an app that will broadcast synchronized programming (like stories and music) to your phone while you ride through. The best part? There will be a live Santa to wave to from the comfort of your own car and then make a wish on the exhibition’s 30-foot star. Tickets need to be purchased in advance and the event ends December 31, 2024.
3. Peace, Love & Lights (Bethel, NY)
- Cost: from $32/vehicle
- Dates: select dates in November and December; 5 to 10 p.m. (last entry 9 p.m.)
- Address: 200 Hurd Rd. Bethel, NY
- Distance from NYC: 2 hours
- Why We Recommend It: great weekend getaway, plenty of things to do, small-town atmosphere
With new areas and expanded displays, Peace, Love & Lights at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has expanded its popular holiday attraction. The 1.7-mile drive-thru experience features themed areas such as Holidays Around the World, Candy Cane Lane, Snowflake Alley and Groovy Way (a nod to the Woodstock festival). Once your drive is over, head to one of the holiday pop-up markets where you and your family can indulge in comfort food, holiday drinks, s’mores by the fire and much more. The drive-thru takes about 35 minutes and is open on a partial schedule until December 31.
4. Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights (Bronx, NY)
- Cost: from $42/adult, $27/kid (12 and under), 2 and under free
- Dates: November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025
- Address: 2300 Southern Blvd. Bronx, NY
- Distance from NYC: 50 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: easily accessible, educational, walkable
Grab your hot cocoa and winter coats and stop by the Bronx Zoo for a festive animal-themed light show. This walk-through experience features a new holiday tree show, colored tunnels and nearly 400 lanterns representing over 100 animal and plant species. There are six lantern trails so take your pick: Africa, Asia, Forest of Color, Latin America, North America and Oceans. Other activities include a holiday train, ice carving demonstrations, costumed stilt walkers, a wildlife theater and seasonal treats all at an additional cost.
5. Riverhead Holiday Light Show (Calverton, NY)
- Cost: from $25/vehicle
- Dates: November 15 to December 31
- Address: Splish Splash Waterpark Splish Splash Dr. Calverton, NY
- Distance from NYC: 2 hours
- Why We Recommend It: affordable, not too crowded, small-town atmosphere
Back for its sixth year, the Riverhead Holiday Light show is located on Long Island and is a can’t-miss drive-thru experience. Pack a bag filled with your favorite holiday treats to enjoy while you wind through the mile-long route that features hundreds of dazzling holiday themed light displays. Be sure to tune your radio to listen and sing along to a synched playlist. The show starts at 5 p.m. each night and is open on select dates from November 15 until December 31.
6. New York Botanical Garden Glow (Bronx, NY)
- Cost: from $34/adult, $24/kid (12 and under)
- Dates: November 16, 2024 to January 20, 2025
- Address: 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx, NY
- Distance from NYC: 30 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: easily accessible, walkable, educational
New York City’s largest outdoor holiday light experience is back for its third year at the New York Botanical Garden. NYBG Glow features light displays that span across 1.5 miles of the garden with dazzling LED lights, illuminated plant stories and whimsical installations. Guests can also add on an after-dark visit to the Holiday Train Show where model trains zip through New York landmarks or make a pit stop at the Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-Up where you’ll find outdoor bars and the chance to indulge in some treats. The event runs at night on select dates from November 17 until January 20, 2025.
7. Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Brooklyn, NY)
- Cost: from $24/adult, $12/kid (3-12), free (0-2)
- Dates: November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025
- Address: 990 Washington Ave. Brooklyn, NY
- Distance from NYC: 20 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: educational, for adults, walkable
Head to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for an illuminated trail of over a million lights and works of art by both local and international artists along with the Winter Cathedral and reimagined Fire Garden. The one-mile trail runs through the garden’s 52 acres with light installations and colorful light displays that highlight the landscape. Guests can enjoy a curated soundtrack that complements the artwork and lights while stopping along various concessions throughout the trail that serve mulled wine, hot cider, hot cocoa and other light bites. The event runs on select dates from November 22 until January 5, 2025.
8. Winter Lantern Festival (Middlefield, CT)
- Cost: $27/adult, $17/kid (under 13), free (under 4)
- Dates: November 15, 2024 to February 9, 2025
- Address: 72 Lyman Rd. Middlefield, CT
- Distance from NYC: 2 hours
- Why We Recommend It: cultural experience, affordable
Two hours feels like a little bit of a stretch, but I promise it’s worth it. For years, the Winter Lantern Festival has done spectacular shows in Queens and East Rutherford, and while it returned for the holiday season, the closest show will now be in Middlefield, Connecticut. It’s a delightful and unique cultural experience, featuring over 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns, traditionally crafted from silk and steel wire. When you’re done admiring the master handiworks, you and your family can try your hand at activities such as making your own paper lantern, taking pictures with life-size dinosaurs and kiddie token rides. In this winter wonderland, lantern installations are available to enjoy until February 9, 2025.
9. Magic of Lights (Jones Beach, NY and Holmdel, NJ)
- Cost: $35/vehicle
- Dates: November 22, 2024 to January 4, 2025
- Address: Jones Beach, NY and 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ
- Distance from NYC: 1 hour (NY), 50 minutes (NJ)
- Why We Recommend It: affordable, charming, family friendly
One of Long Island’s most popular light displays is back at Jones Beach State Park with more than a mile of cheerful and sparkling holiday scenes. As you drive through Magic of Lights, you’ll come across hundreds of dazzling lights featuring favorite holiday characters. This year don’t miss (life-size) Holiday Barbie and the Bigfoot Monster Truck displays, plus dinosaurs for a prehistoric Christmas. Be sure to stop by the North Pole where kids (and adults too!) can drop off letters to Santa Claus by using a pre-made template. Afterwards, warm up at the North Pole Café, go ice skating and grab some s’mores before heading home.
Drive Through Christmas Lights in New Jersey
10. DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express (Hammonton, NJ)
- Cost: from $20
- Dates: November 23-24, 29, 30 and December 1-23
- Address: 1151 S. White Horse Pike, Hammonton NJ
- Distance from NYC: 2 hours
- Why We Recommend It: plenty of things to do, holiday shopping, great weekend getaway
If the Polar Express is one of your favorite holiday movies, you’re going to want to visit DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express in Hammonton, New Jersey. Hop on a train and ride through millions of Christmas lights and meet good ol’ Saint Nick himself and his elves for a photo opportunity. Admission also includes story time and pictures with Mrs. Claus, a present from Santa, a holiday movie tent, a toy market and a walkthrough holiday village. Tickets sell out quickly but can be purchased online or at the door. The event runs until December 23.
11. Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show (Augusta, NJ)
- Cost: from $29/vehicle
- Dates: November 22 to December 30
- Address: 94 Championship Place Augusta, NJ
- Distance from NYC: 2 hours
- Why We Recommend It: family friendly, plenty of things to do, laid-back vibe
Should you be searching for drive-thru Christmas lights in New York and New Jersey, but don’t want to trek into the city, there’s no better place to help you get in on the holiday fun than Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show in Augusta. After driving through one mile of over two million lights (!), you can stop by the outdoor Christmas Village and enjoy ice skating, photos with Santa, carnival rides, a s’mores station and much more. There’s even a winter beer garden for those in need of some adult tipples. Side note: This is the perfect place to snap some family photos if you need one for your holiday cards.
12. Orchard of Lights (Hillsdale, NJ)
- Cost: $35/vehicle
- Dates: November 23 to December 30
- Address: 244 Wierimus Rd. Hillsdale, NJ
- Distance from NYC: 1 hour
- Why We Recommend It: holiday shopping, great for kids, small town atmosphere
During the holiday season, fall-favorite Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, New Jersey transforms into a fun and magical display of lights and joyful activities. The Orchard of Lights offers a guided drive-thru tour of 32 acres of light displays that takes about 30 minutes. After the tour, warm up by the fire pit with some s’mores and hot cocoa, take pictures with Santa and listen to his singing reindeer. Be sure to stop by their retail farm market for some seasonal and delicious treats.
13. Winter WonderLights (East Brunswick, NJ)
- Cost: from $30/vehicle
- Dates: November 29 to December 31
- Address: 655 Cranbury Rd. East Brunswick, NJ
- Distance from NYC: 1 hour
- Why We Recommend It: affordable, family-friendly, easily accessible
With over 1.5 million lights to see, WinterWonder Lights in East Brunswick, New Jersey brings a local family-owned business front and center with larger-than-life holiday themed displays. Hop in your car and drive through a half mile of festive animated lights celebrating Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Don’t forget to tune your radio to the event’s specific station to enhance your experience. Tickets can be purchased online, and the event is open from November 29 until December 31.
14. A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place (Langhorne, PA)
- Cost: from $36/person (under 2 free)
- Dates: November 16, 2024 to January 5, 2025
- Address: 100 Sesame Rd. Langhorne, PA 19047
- Distance from NYC: 90 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: weekend getaway, great for kids, holiday shopping
OK, so this one isn’t technically in New York or New Jersey, but it’s definitely worth the trip. A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place is a 90-minute drive from NYC where you can celebrate the holidays with your favorite characters. The park transforms into a Christmas wonderland with a 30-foot illuminated tree, Christmas shows, a parade and a meet and greet with Santa. Special events include ‘Twas the Night Celebration on December 24, Hanukkah and Kwanza festivities December 26 to January 1 and New Year’s Eve fireworks December 31. The event is open from November 16 until January 6, 2025.
15. Diggerland USA (West Berlin, NJ)
- Cost: $37/vehicle
- Dates: November 15, 2024 to January 12, 2025
- Address: 100 Pinedge Drive West Berlin, NJ
- Distance from NYC: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: America’s only construction & water theme park, accompanying holiday radio broadcast
If you have kids who are obsessed with dump trucks (my brother had a garbage truck phase when he was 4), then a trip to Diggerland USA won’t fail to disappoint. The theme park claims to be the country’s only one dedicated to construction, and at an hour and 50 minutes from Manhattan, it’s a feasible day trip. After they’ve climbed the emergency vehicles at Hood & Ladder, maneuvered the Lumberjack Claw, Crazy Cranes and had their fun with the Mini Dig (yes, that’s a real mini excavator), cruise through the park’s holiday light show rife with festive displays (including decked-out construction equipment) and tunnels. You can also tune into Diggerland’s radio station for some merry entertainment as you cruise.
16. Christmas in Cape May (Cape May, NJ)
- Cost: free, select guided tours available with separate admission
- Dates: November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025
- Address: Cape May, NY
- Distance from NYC: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: charming downtown, lots of holiday activities for the whole family
When you think of Cape May, you probably think of summertime on the beach. But just because the cold has settled in doesn’t mean you need to write off this Jersey hot spot. While this isn’t an official walking tour, the town completely transforms come Christmas, and walking through the charming streets is free. If you so choose, you can make a weekend out of it, visiting the Emlen Physick Estate and famously bedecked Painted Ladies on the self-guided Holiday Inns tour. There are also holiday trolley tours throughout the season (from $20/adult) and plenty of local restaurants and wineries to visit. (Try Elaine’s and Cape May Winery, for starters.)
17. Hershey Christmas Candylane (Hershey, PA)
- Cost: $36/adult, $23/kid (under 12), free under 2
- Dates: select dates in November and December
- Address: 100 W. Hersheypark Dr. Hershey, PA
- Distance from NYC: 3 hours
- Why We Recommend It: family-friendly, over 5 million lights on display, Santa visits with live reindeer
Also not *technically* in New York or New Jersey, but the proximity begs inclusion. It’s Hersheyland! How could I not? Should you opt for park admission, you’ll be met by 5 million lights decking the halls and the park’s signature Christmas light show, NOEL. Steal a smooch under the Kissmas Tree in Treeville, then herd the kids to the Mary N. Bright Airfield, where they’ll find Santa waiting for them with live reindeer as they prepare for their Christmas Eve journey. There’s also the drive-through Hershey Sweet Lights holiday display (from $30/vehicle), where you’ll wind through two miles of wooded trails and 600 displays. The attraction is located minutes from the park at 1183 Sandbeach Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Christmas Light Show in NJ?
With a whopping 2 million holiday lights, the Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show in Augusta is impressive. But it’s the additional activities that put it over the top. After the mile drive, stop at the Christmas Village for ice skating, photos with Santa, carnival rides, a s’mores station and more. Adults will also enjoy the beer garden. Similarly, the Orchard of Lights display at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale is also a winner, offering 32 acres of lights, plus a fire pit, Santa and his singing reindeer.
How Long Does It Take To Drive Through Westchester Winter Wonderland?
According to the organization, it takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes to drive through Westchester Winter Wonderland, but this may vary depending on traffic.
How Long Is Magic of Lights Jones Beach?
While the organizers don’t specify how long the drive is, the route is about a mile, similar to the Westchester Winter Wonderland. You can reasonably expect to spend 20 to 30 minutes driving through Jones Beach, traffic depending.
What Are the Giant Christmas Lights in NYC?
You can see giant Christmas lights and holiday decor at Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center, among the city’s more iconic locations.
